However, Pallotta has rubbished such speculation, and insists the 26-year-old is happy at the Stadio Olympico.

“There’s a lot of paper talk about players leaving, like Pjanic,” he said.

“I rule that out categorically, he doesn’t want to leave and we won’t sell him. Even just talking about it hurts the team, I’m tired of these rumours.”

Pallotta’s worry is unlikely to end there, however, with the Blues also linked with fellow a Roma duo, midfielder Radja Nainggolan and defender Kostas Manolas, as Conte plots a squad overhaul at Stamford Bridge.